An ICC statement released on Tuesday read: “Shannon Gabriel has been charged with a breach Article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The charge, which was laid by match umpires, will now be dealt with by Match Referee Jeff Crowe. Until the proceedings have concluded, the ICC will not comment further.” The ECB made no comment.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, in St Lucia in his role as a television commentator, tweeted his admiration for Root’s stance.

“I don’t know who said what to whom...but boy do I applaud Joe Root’s reaction here,” Hussain wrote.

“For me his twelve words as a role model will be in the end more important than a Test hundred or possible victory.”

Speaking after finishing day three 111 not out, Root gave a measured assessment of the on-field exchange.

“It’s Test cricket, he’s an emotional guy trying to do everything he can to win a Test match... sometimes people say things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field,” he said.

West Indies head coach Richard Pybus, speaking at close of play, told BBC Radio’s Test Match Special: “Nothing has been reported to me but if a comment was made we’ll review it and if it was untoward we’ll be addressing it.”

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